The world is Zorayda Andam’s universe

Starry-eyed little girls dream about becoming beauty queens. But Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2001 Zorayda Andam, once a reluctant candidate to the country’s most prestigious national beauty pageant, has always dreamt of becoming a lawyer.

"Joining a beauty contest – much more winning a title – has never entered my mind at any stage of my life," she admits. "Well, not until some good friends prodded me to sign in. I did and I am grateful for it has opened a new and exciting world that I never knew," continues the daughter of a caring and devoted mother and a retired geologist father who accompanied his brood of five on hikes and mountain climbing on the outskirts of Baguio, the city where she was born and raised.

Currently working on a UNDP-funded project which includes a comprehensive primer on e-business and e-commerce as part of the organization’s awareness drive to assist policy makers in the Asian and Pacific region, Zorah is a fourth-year student at the College of Law at the University of the Philippines.

"Initially I want to do some courtroom stuff – have a hand on litigation for some years," she says. "Eventually, I want to practice law to pursue advocacy in women and children’s rights – my social platform as a lawyer."

"Music is another passion. I used to sing with the neighborhood church choir and was a member of an all-girl singing group – Deborah’s Daughters, named after the biblical female judge who led the song of victory," she declares. "I later trained with the UP Singing Ambassadors and did one concert. Yes, only one for I had to quit due to schedule conflict as a full-time student."

Watch out for the head-turner who loves to travel, singing lawyer-to-be, spiritual person with a strong stand on Christian principles and convictions. Remember her name – Zorayda Andam.

Meanwhile, listen in on excerpts of our conversation on a memorable, full-of-discovery weekend trip to Lingayen, Pangasinan upon the invitation of Edda Henson, the tourism consultant to the many ongoing-never-done-before projects of the province. We were guests of Victor Agbayani, the provincial governor, and his wife Jammie, a practicing medical doctor and an old family friend, in celebration of their annual fiesta, a fiesta with a difference in every sense of the word.

Philippine STAR: What do you remember most of your first trip abroad?

Zorayda Andam: I took an R and R leave from my first job and flew to Bangkok. It was also my first plane ride. I didn’t sleep while we were airborne, for fear that I may miss something exciting. This is contrary to what I do these days. I sleep throughout the actual journey – be it by air, sea or land. Once in town, I didn’t waste any time at all – saw what had to be seen, did what had to be done. I discovered a totally different culture, an absolutely different way of life. Through books, television and film, I was somewhat slightly familiar with their ways. But nothing quite prepared me for the real thing. Oh yes, we found time to visit the zoo where I had my very first elephant ride. The entire holiday was simply amazing and truly overwhelming.

What won’t you leave home without?

My Bible. I have several Bibles, but I always take with me my favorite. It is an illustrated one, but far from being a children’s version of it. I like it because it is easy to understand. I read passages every day, early in the morning. I love the Psalms. They certainly gives me a positive outlook for the day.

Who is your ideal traveling companion?

Shelah Lardizabal, my sister’s best friend and a good pal of mine. For starters, she is well-traveled. Easily adopts to any culture. She manages to find or even creates order out of chaotic situations. She has this enviable trait that you know for sure you would survive – no matter what the circumstances may be – only because of her. To top it all, she is so much fun to be with. And funny too.

Name your favorite city abroad.

Actually I have two cities – a study in contrast. First is Medellin in Columbia. The natural scenery and the landscape is awesome and it is something one writes about to loved ones back home. The flowers, the orchids – I have never seen such a collection, never seen such variety. The entire city is just so naturally pretty. Medellin is likewise known as the city of eternal spring. The climate, which is so ideal, is never too warm nor too cold. On the other hand, the city of Dubai is dramatically built on a desert where the old harmoniously blends with the new, be it in the architecture or the landscape. It highlights Arabic tones beautifully merging with modern touches. A commendable combination, an admirable fusion.

What would you consider a must-do-activity in every foreign city that you visit?

Spend some time in a souvenir shop – a shop that is not a tourist trap – that sells excellent quality local goods. I always end up with an item representative of a place to remind me of my stay. Funny but during the most recent Miss Tourism World pageant in Columbia, most of the ladies opted to go to the malls to purchase some branded stuff rumored to be on sale with greatly reduced prices. On the other hand, I begged my chaperone to take me to the leading souvenir shop.

Let’s talk favorites now. Favorite museum?

There is this tiny little museum – I don’t recall the name – in old San Juan in Puerto Rico that is so dear to me. The exhibits were all antique Hispanic pieces – articles that I adore – similar to what we have at the Casa Manila in Intramuros. I was away from home for the Miss Universe competition and never had I felt so homesick. Visiting this museum – the familiarity of the entire setting – did wonders for me that is difficult to explain. It changed my outlook for the duration of the pageant. It was magical.

If you could take home a piece of art, which one would it be?

Michelangelo’s David. I am a very spiritual person and David is one of my favorite biblical characters. Though the sculpture portrays him as almost entirely bare, hindi siya malaswa tingnan – he does not look obscene at all. As a matter of fact, it actually shows how beautiful God’s creation is – the physical body. I love this particular presentation of the human anatomy.

Favorite resort?

Would you believe it’s the Plantation Bay in Mactan, Cebu? The thematic resort, which to me does not feel like another resort, reminds me of a beautiful small village that is so ideal to live in, to be a part of. I love to walk. It’s paradise.

Favorite landmark?

The Burj Al Arab. It may be a hotel, but it is more than a landmark in Dubai. Situated by the water, it looks like a massive sailboat. The design is so symmetrical – from top to bottom or from bottom to top – where patterns and colors are very Arabic, yet very modern. The elevators remind me of the dramatic entrance to the old royal Egyptian final resting sites. The décor is embellished with gold leaf. It’s so unbelievably grand. The area sheiks maintain regular suites and state visitors are billeted here. The authorities claim this is not only a five-star hotel – not even six. They say it is the only seven-star hotel in the world – if there is such a classification.

Favorite musical?

My top three choices are Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera. I know all the songs by heart and have learned some of the classic lines and romantic dialogues. I really adore the theater and I am a great lover of Broadway and Westend musicals.

What is the best travel advice you can share?

Attempt to learn some simple words – useful phrases – of the language of the country you plan to visit. It will endear you to the locals and you would be pleasantly surprised how much nicer everyone really is. It’s a real ice breaker. It opens doors.

Describe your most memorable trip.

It has to be my first out-of-town trip with my two sisters – first time to be away from home together. The place was Boracay. Genuine sisterly bonding. Series of outdoor activities. Lots of laughter. Loads of fun. Surprisingly this is the only place where I enjoyed shopping. Come to think of it, was it because I had my sisters with me and we went on forever comparing notes as we endlessly rummaged for practical pasalubongs for the family?

What is the most unique experience you have had on a trip?

I just had finished my one week intensive training in Caracas, Venezuela in preparation for my participation at the Miss Universe pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico. While checking in at the airport counter, I soon found out I didn’t have enough money in cash for the charges of my excess luggage. The amount was over $500. Mama mia! I traveled with four massive maletas – long gowns, cocktail dresses, business suits, shoes, bags, gifts, giveaways and more dresses for the organizers of the Binibining Pilipinas always advised and encouraged us to bring it all with you – better sobra, never kulang. So here I was all alone and the time was four o’clock in the morning. My ever-present security and driver Abel had long gone. What was I to do? I contacted someone and tried to relate my predicament with my limited knowledge of the Spanish language. This call led to more calls to people’s private homes. Remember the office was closed as it was still dawn. After what seemed like forever, Abel – the reliable Abel – appeared. It was more of a ressurection, a sight most welcomed. Together we haggled and haggled and haggled as if our lives depended on it. In the end, we successfully got the amount in question reduced and some travel fees waived. What a relief. I landed in San Juan absolutamente sin dinero!

What is the worst souvenir you have ever brought back from a trip?

From a South American nation, I got some bookmarks made from recycled paper with many things on it – little hats, grains, tiny coffee beans. It looked attractive then. Once I got home, it didn’t even look cute.

Who would you like to bump into – dead or alive – during your travels?

Any major Royal from any kingdom. I like them for what they represent. I had met a sheik at one fund-raising dinner in the Middle East. The bearing, the composure, the concern, the dedication, the devotion, all very admirable.

Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in?

The Summer Olympics. Or perhaps an international sporting event that features women’s basketball.

If you could enforce one law to the fullest, what would it be?

Strict implementation of the correct classification of waste and its proper disposal. It saddens me to note so much uncollected litter around us – both on land and at sea.

Let’s fill in the blanks. "Where in the world...only in the Philippines?"

Would people laugh and snicker at others who trip and fall. I guess it may be a cultural thing – our exposure to slapstick humor.

What are your pasalubong – inbound and outbound?

Inbound – for the ladies, accessories. For the men, souvenir shirts. For Mom, who is very special, nothing but the best from the destination I have just visited.

Outbound – made in the Philippines articles such as capiz shell pill boxes.

Name a city you have never been to but would like to someday.

Paris. It was such a brief stopover. I would love to see more on what the city has to offer.

Name a country you wish to explore.

Egypt. Ancient civilization that is preserved to this very day. Maybe old, but very sophisticated.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Simultaneously experiencing, learning and appreciating the different ways of life away from the confines of an armchair, away from the confines of the four corners of a classroom.

What would you say then is the worst part of travel?

Being penniless in a foreign land. I know the feeling!

If you could be transported anywhere in the world right now, where would you like to be?

Take me back to Paris.

Name your favorite spot in the Philippines.

Boracay. The memories are many and beautiful.

If you could reside anywhere in the world aside from the Philippines, where would it be?

Honolulu, Hawaii. The place somehow reminds me of home and we have some relatives residing there. My second option would be New York.